From Washington University Athletics
For the fifth time in school history, the Washington University in St. Louis men's and women's cross country teams swept the team titles at the 2017 University Athletic Association (UAA) Championships Saturday at Van Cortland Park in Bronx, N.Y.
The women's title was the fourth-consecutive for the Bears and the 16th UAA cross country title in school history, while the men's championship was their second-straight and 11th in school history.
"Both teams ran great today. It was a really hard course, and the footing was treacherous," said 17th-year head coach Jeff Stiles. "The course was very unique, and our kids did a good job of executing the game plan. We represented very well."
Senior David O'Gara cemented his place in UAA history by becoming the fifth men's runner in conference history to win consecutive individual championships. O'Gara completed the 8K course in a time of 25:36.6, which was 30 seconds ahead of second-place Neil Saddler of host New York University.
"David dominated that race today. Could not off happened to a better kid," Stiles said. "He beat some good runners."
He joins Michael Burnstein (2010-11) and Tim Julian (1998-99) as repeat winners from WashU.
The No. 9-ranked WashU men recorded 40 points, which was 39 points ahead of second-place Carnegie Mellon University. Emory University was third, while New York University, University of Chicago, Brandeis University, Case Western Reserve University and the University of Rochester rounded out the field.
Junior Peter Johnsrud picked up a top-five finish for the men with a time of 26:12.5, good for fourth out of 77 runners. O'Gara and Johnsrud earned first-team all-UAA honors. Seniors Kirby Simon (ninth place, 26:27.1) and Ben Rosenkranz (11th place, 26:29.1) also finished in the top-14 to garner second-team all-UAA accolades.
The No. 7-ranked WashU women also ran past the competition with 37 points, doubling up second-place Chicago (74 points). Emory was third followed by Carnegie Mellon, New York, Brandeis, Case Western Reserve and Rochester.
Senior Alison Lindsay led the way for the WashU women, who had five top-10 finishers. Lindsay completed the 6K course in a tie of 23:38.0 to finish third. Sophomore Sophie Watterson joined Lindsay on the all-UAA first team with a time of 24:01.6, good for seventh place. Watterson was competing in the first race of her collegiate career.
Senior Audrey Western (eighth place, 24:03.9) and juniors Lisa Gorham (ninth place, 24:07.4) and Jeri Glicksman (10th place, 24:17.7) finished in the top-10 to pick up second-team all-UAA honors.
RESULTS
WOMEN-6K (76 runners)
3. Alison Lindsay – 23:38.0
7. Sophie Watterson – 24:01.6
8. Audrey Western – 24:03.9
9. Lisa Gorham – 24:07.4
10. Jeri Glicksman – 24:17.7
MEN-8K (77 runners)
1. David O'Gara – 25:36.6
4. Peter Johnsrud – 26:12.5
9. Kirby Simon – 26:27.1
11. Ben Rosenkranz – 26:29.1
15. Chris Blagg – 26:38.5